This year I was granted the opportunity to travel to Matisi, Kenya, along with 11 other students on a VLM school immersion programme. The programme was a privilege to be a part of and a life-changing experience.

Before embarking on the journey, we were well prepared by the VLM and got the chance to talk to and learn from many past volunteers, so we had a sense of what we were going to do and how best to prepare.

Upon our arrival at the Daughters of Charity in Matisi, we were greeted and welcomed into the nuns’ home as one of their own. They gave us a warm welcome and made us feel right at home. The following day, we walked down to St Vincent’s Academy, the school where we would be teaching for the two weeks. We met with the teachers and staff and then got right to work!

Walking into the classroom for the first time was special and something I will never forget. All the students were very friendly and delighted to have us there. They were eager to learn, and we taught a range of subjects including English, Maths, Music, Religion, and more. Teaching and helping the students learn and grow was truly special and a meaningful experience. Although I was teaching, I felt that I learned just as much from the children as I hope they learned from me. I had great fun being taught Kiswahili and many classroom games by the students. As much as I enjoyed learning about their culture and language, the students loved learning bits of Gaeilge and even surprised me with a few words of their own on the first day, remembering them from past volunteers.

Each day, one of us got to go to the kitchen with a class and cook Kenyan dishes such as Ugali and Chapati, which was both delicious and memorable. After the school day finished, activities such as football, rounders, chess, dancing, and many more took place. So many special memories were made with the students during this time. There were activities for everyone, and the students’ joy and laughter were amazing to see and be a part of. Playing football, chess, singing, dancing, and making bracelets with the children were highlights for us all. We walked back to the Sisters’ grounds and would be joined by many of the younger students making their way home. Each day, three of us would travel on the school bus to drop off the children who lived further away.

Our final day at the school was tough. I received many letters and bracelets from students whom I had taught and become friends with. Saying goodbye to the students with whom I had formed such strong relationships was very emotional. It was a difficult day, but it made me realise just how special and unique our time there had been.

As well as our work in the school, we were granted the opportunity to work with the Sisters and the Street Boy Programme that they help to run. Every day, two students would spend the day helping and working alongside the nuns. The time I got to spend with the boys in the Street Boy Programme was eye-opening. Seeing the work the nuns and their team do to help boys our age and younger who are living on the streets of Matisi was truly inspiring. While working with the Sisters, I also got the opportunity to visit some homes in the local area.

Through my work with Father James, a local priest, I got the opportunity to visit a local Christian group in the countryside. I got to see a rural part of Kenya and interact with cheerful and kind people.

Going to Kenya with the VLM has been a fantastic experience that I definitely see myself doing again in the future. I would love to return to Matisi. The fun I had during my two weeks will stay with me forever. The care and support provided by the nuns is truly inspiring. I cannot recommend this experience enough and would encourage everyone to get involved with the VLM.